Accra, July 9, GNA – James Kwesi Appiah – Head Coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars has rue the absence of Video Assistance Referee (VAR) machines at match centers in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
Coach Appiah said, the presence of the machine could have changed the fortunes of Ghana in the round of 16 match against Tunisia on Monday, when Andre Ayew’s goal was controversially ruled illegal.
At a post-match conference, Coach Appiah said, it was a perfect goal, which was ruled illegal by the referee, but noted that the machine would have changed the direction of the match.
He said the VAR machines must be used right from the start of the competition, but not from the quarter finals as stated by the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF).
“To lose a match because of the mistake of a referee is unpleasant. Referees are humans and capable of making mistakes, but in situations like this, it is very sad to exit because a referee made a mistake,” he added.
“Football comes with a lot of drama and we cannot deny that. The referee must go and watch the video again. I am sure he would have some regrets,” he said.
According to Coach Appiah, it was time to reorganize the team and build on the lessons learnt so far.
“We have a lot of young players who can be nurtured and made to take over from the senior ones,” the coach added.
South African referee, Victor Gomez, ruled Ghana’s goal by Ayew as illegal contrary to what many thought was a perfect goal.